POLICE have said that “no criminal offences” were committed when a plane flew over the Etihad Stadium last night with a banner reading “White Lives Matter Burnley”.
The banner sparked outrage with Burnley skipper Ben Mee leading the condemnation of the message that appeared to attempt to belittle the Black Lives Matter movement.
The banner belittling the Black Lives Matter movement was flown over the Etihad last nightCredit: Reuters
Mee, 30, was visibly furious in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, revealing the Burnley players were “ashamed” and “embarrassed”.
Lancashire Police Chief Superintendent Russ Procter this afternoon said that no further legal action will be taken.
A statement read: “Today Lancashire Constabulary has been in liaison with Greater Manchester Police, the Aviation Authority and the Crown Prosecution Service regards the ‘White Lives Matter’ banner that was flown over the Etihad Stadium last night.
“After assessing all the information available surrounding this incident we have concluded that there are no criminal offences that have been disclosed at this time.
“We will continue to work with our partners at the football club and within the local authority.”
Burnley Football Club is opposed to any form of racism and discrimination of any kind.
Burnley FC official statement
Earlier today, Burnley released a joint-statement from chairman Mike Garlick and CEO Neil Hart – backing their skipper Mee and condemning the actions of the supporters responsible for the banner.
It read: “Burnley Football Club is opposed to any form of racism and discrimination of any kind.
“As custodians of the club, we stand firmly behind the statement condemning the message flown over the Etihad Stadium on Monday night and are fully in support of the words of club captain Ben Mee, delivered after the match.
“Black Lives Matter is a movement supported by all players in the Premier League and the league itself.
“While we naturally consider that all lives matter, let us be clear that the Black Lives Matter movement aims to overcome years of racial inequality against the BAME community and promote a greater fairness for all.
“We at Burnley therefore stand firmly behind it and oppose anything that may appear to undermine or challenge such a positive message.”
Jake Hepple, who has previously been pictured with English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson, claimed he was involved in the stunt shortly after the 8pm kick-off – and showed zero remorse.
Captain Ben Mee was visibly furious at the banner after the gameCredit: Sky
Writing on Facebook, the Lancashire local said: “I’d like to take this time to apologise .. to absolutely f***ing nobody!”
His employer, Paradigm Precision in Burnley, said today: “We are aware of the incident that took place and are currently investigating the conduct of our employee.
“Once we have completed our enquiries, we will release a full statement.”
Russ Proctor, chief superintendent of the police force of northwest county Lancashire, said officers were trying to establish the full circumstances
Hepple has been pictured with EDL co-founder Tommy RobinsonCredit: Facebook
Burnley’s Ben Mee responds to an offensive banner flown over the Etihad Stadium
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
